▲ Sehyun E&C / CEO Im Ji-hoon

Solar energy, geothermal energy, ocean energy and bio energy are examples of alternative energies to pollutant energies like fossil fuel and coals. One of the drawbacks of these eco-friendly energies however is expensive early stage investment. A South Korean company Hehyun E&C introduces 'solar heat duct system' in answer to this drawback. 

Sehyun is a company specialized in facilities for wasted salt water, sea water enrichment, HVAC system and solar energy. The innovative solar heat duct system is built based on the principle of traditional floor heating system of Korea but heats up water by using solar heat instead.

It is installed on the outer surface of the wall unlike the existing solar panels normally installed on the roof of the building. So the look of the building is neat. In addition the price is cheaper by 30 to 50% and it is dettachable for easy cleaning. Thanks to this innovation, Sehyun listed name in the 14th Korea Green Energy Excellence Enterprise. 

"The solar heat duct system uses the same material of bricks. But it contains glass (granite stone) and steel plate (stainless steel) to prevent corrosion. In other words, the solar heat duct system lasts as long as the building stands" explains CEO Im Ji-hoon.

Im Ji-hoon

Im worked for Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction until 2014 and established Sehyun E&C the next year and turned it into a corporation the following year. The company has built presence with development of wasted salt water resourcing facilities and expanded the production scope to solar heat duct system.

"The solar heat duct system is in the stage to prove efficiency and we are expecting to see it on the market by the end of this year. It is notable that people use more energy in winter than summer and using our solar heat duct system will reduce energy bill by around 30%."

Im currently is taking a doctoral course in architectural engineering at Changwon National University.